When working with a lawyer, complete honesty and full disclosure aren't just ethical considerations – they're crucial elements that can make or break your legal case.

Understanding why transparency with your attorney matters can help you avoid potential pitfalls and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

Why Complete Disclosure MattersTexas Personal Injury Lawyer

Your attorney's ability to represent you effectively depends entirely on having all relevant information:

  • Lawyers can only prepare for issues they know about

  • Surprise information can derail legal strategies

  • Your attorney needs to know weaknesses to defend against them

  • Full disclosure allows proper evaluation of settlement offers

  • Complete information helps prevent opposing counsel from catching you off guard

What Must Be Disclosed

Be prepared to share everything related to your case:

  • Prior accidents or injuries

  • Previous legal claims or lawsuits

  • Criminal history (even minor offenses)

  • Medical history and pre-existing conditions

  • Insurance claims history

  • Social media posts about your incident

  • Conversations with insurance adjusters

  • Witness information (both favorable and unfavorable)

  • All documentation related to your case

Attorney-Client Privilege Protection

Understanding attorney-client privilege can help you feel more comfortable with full disclosure:

  • Communications with your attorney are confidential

  • Your attorney cannot share your information without permission

  • The privilege extends to your attorney's staff

  • Written communications are also protected

  • The protection exists even if you don't hire the attorney after consultation

Common Disclosure Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors that can harm your case:

  • Minimizing past injuries or accidents

  • Failing to mention previous legal issues

  • Omitting relevant social media posts

  • Not disclosing all medical providers

  • Withholding information about pre-existing conditions

  • Failing to mention conversations with insurance adjusters

  • Not revealing all witnesses to the incident

Impact of Non-Disclosure

Failing to disclose important information can have serious consequences:

  • Damage to case credibility

  • Reduced settlement values

  • Possible case dismissal

  • Impeachment during testimony

  • Weakened negotiating position

  • Potential legal ethics issues

  • Strained attorney-client relationship

Building Trust with Your Attorney

Effective ways to maintain open communication:

  • Schedule regular updates with your attorney

  • Keep a detailed timeline of events

  • Document all relevant information

  • Ask questions when unsure about relevance

  • Provide updates about changes in circumstances

  • Share new information promptly

  • Maintain organized records

What Your Attorney Needs to Know

Be particularly thorough about:

Medical Information

  • All treating physicians

  • Previous injuries

  • Ongoing health issues

  • Medications

  • Mental health treatment

Accident Details

  • Exact sequence of events

  • All potential witnesses

  • Photos or videos

  • Insurance communications

  • Police reports

Personal Background

  • Work history

  • Previous claims

  • Criminal record

  • Bankruptcy filings

  • Pending legal matters

Were You Injured in the Texas Area Due to the Negligence of Others?

If you've been injured due to the negligence of others, you should speak with an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call 833.355.3476 to schedule your free consultation. We are proud to help Texas residents throughout Plano, Houston and the surrounding areas, as well as nationwide, fight to hold those who caused your personal injury accountable. 

T. Micah Dortch
T. Micah Dortch
With more than 1,000 federal & state court matters as lead trial counsel, he has worked on many notable cases.